🔗 Share this article Blues Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as '100%' Rumour Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.
Enzo Maresca was once an assistant to Pep Guardiola with Manchester City. Chelsea gaffer Enzo Maresca has labelled recent talk linking him with a move to Manchester City as nothing but hearsay. The 45-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, responded to the persistent speculation about his next move. Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, has a contract running until 2029, with a potential extension available. "It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is completely unfounded," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is no time for these kind of things." He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here until 2029. And my attention, I said many times, is just about this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with Juventus in Italy. So I don't pay attention because I know that is without foundation." Chelsea, currently sitting in fourth position in the top flight, are set to face Newcastle United this Saturday in a 12:30 GMT kick-off. Strain After Recent Comments Maresca's latest comments come in the wake of he referred to a previous two-day spell as his most difficult since arriving at Chelsea. Those original remarks had sparked widespread speculation of a possible disagreement between the manager and the club's ownership hierarchy. When pressed if he had discussed matters with the club's sporting directors, Maresca replied, "We are in the same building, so we talk about various topics. But about the post-Everton press conference, no." The Italian however affirmed he would "absolutely" stay at the club for the coming campaign and called on supporters to "continue to support the team". In more positive news, Maresca revealed that injured attackers Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, potentially available for a fixture against Aston Villa later this month. Analysis: Unresolved Tension The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the club's hierarchy persists as an unhealed issue that continues to cause concern. While there has been no deepening of the matter publicly, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, leaving the matter unaddressed. The atmosphere during the manager's media briefings has grown increasingly strained, raising fears it could undermine what has otherwise been a promising start to the season. Chelsea's on-field situation is strong: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have reached the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a better European draw with good results in their remaining games. The prevailing question is whether this behind-the-scenes situation might begin to disrupt a team that was just starting to look settled.